Scribd
Upload
3 views4 pages

Balancing Redox Reactions in Basic Solutions

The document outlines the half-reaction method for balancing redox reactions in basic solutions, detailing a step-by-step process. It includes specific steps such as separating half-reactions, balancing elements, and adding hydroxide ions to neutralize protons. An example is provided to illustrate the application of these steps in balancing a redox reaction.

Uploaded by

elizacananua
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
3 views4 pages

Balancing Redox Reactions in Basic Solutions

The document outlines the half-reaction method for balancing redox reactions in basic solutions, detailing a step-by-step process. It includes specific steps such as separating half-reactions, balancing elements, and adding hydroxide ions to neutralize protons. An example is provided to illustrate the application of these steps in balancing a redox reaction.

Uploaded by

elizacananua
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

HALF-REACTION METHOD FOR BAALNCING REDOX REACTION

BASIC SOLUTION:

STEPS:
Step 1: Separate the half-reactions.
Step 2: Balance elements in the equation other than O and H.

Step 3: Add H2O to balance oxygen.


Step 4: Balance hydrogen with protons.
Step 5: Balance the charge with e-.
Step 6: If necessary, multiply one or both the half-reaction by an integer.
Step 7: Add the reactions and cancel the electrons.
Step 8: Add OH- to balance H+.
Step 9: Combine OH- ions and H+ ions that are present on the same side to form water.
Step 10: Cancel common terms.
Example:

Balance the following redox reaction in basic conditions.


Ag(s) +Zn2+ (aq) → Ag2O (aq) + Zn(s)
Solution:
Step 1: Separate the half-reactions.
Ag(s) → Ag2O (aq) Zn2+ (aq) → Zn(s)
Step 2: Balance elements in the equation other than O and H.
2Ag(s) → Ag2O (aq) Zn2+ (aq) → Zn(s)
Step 3: Add H2O to balance oxygen.
H2O(l)+ 2Ag(s) → Ag2O (aq) Zn2+ (aq) → Zn(s)

Step 4: Balance hydrogen with protons.


H2O(l)+ 2Ag(s) → Ag2O (aq) + 2H+ Zn2+ (aq) → Zn(s)

Step 5: Balance the charge with e-.


H2O(l)+ 2Ag(s) → Ag2O (aq) + 2H+ + 2e- 2e-+ Zn2+ (aq) → Zn(s)
Step 6: If necessary, add one or both the half-reaction by an integer.

Step 7: Add the reactions and cancel the electrons.


H2O(l)+ 2Ag(s) → Ag2O (aq) + 2H+ + 2e-
+ 2e-+ Zn2+ (aq) → Zn(s)

H2O(l)+ 2Ag(s) + Zn2+ (aq) → Ag2O (aq) + Zn(s) + 2H+


Step 8: Add OH- to balance H+.
2OH- + H2O(l)+ 2Ag(s) + Zn2+ (aq) → Ag2O (aq) + Zn(s) + (2H+ + 2OH- )
Step 9: Combine OH- ions and H+ ions that are present on the same side to form water.
2OH- + H2O(l)+ 2Ag(s) + Zn2+ (aq) → Ag2O (aq) + Zn(s) + (2H2O)
Step 10: Cancel common terms.
2OH- (aq)+ 2Ag(s) + Zn2+ (aq) → Ag2O (aq) + Zn(s) + H2O(l)
2O, 2H, 2Ag, 1Zn 2Ag, 2O, 1Zn, 2H

=-2+2 =0
=0
MnO4- (aq) + SO32- (aq) → MnO2 (s) + SO42- (aq)
MnO4- (aq) → MnO2 (s) SO32- (aq) → SO42- (aq)
MnO4- (aq) → MnO2 (s) + 2H2O H2O+ SO32- (aq) → SO42- (aq)
4H+ + MnO4- (aq) → MnO2 (s) + 2H2O H2O+ SO32- (aq) → SO42- (aq) + 2H+

3e- + 4H+ + MnO4- (aq) → MnO2 (s) + 2H2O H2O+ SO32- (aq) → SO42- (aq) + 2H+ + 2e-
Charge: Charge:
Charge: Charge:
= 1(0) + 1(-2) = 1(-2) + 2(+1)
= 4(+1) + 1(-1) =0
=-2 =0
=3
2(3e- + 4H+ + MnO4- (aq) → MnO2 (s) + 2H2O) 3(H2O+ SO32- (aq) → SO42- (aq) + 2H+ + 2e-)

6e- + 8H+ + 2MnO4- (aq) → 2MnO2 (s) + 4H2O


+ 3H2O+ 3SO32- (aq) → 3SO42- (aq) + 6H+ + 6e-
2H+ (aq) + 2MnO4- (aq) + 3SO32- (aq) → 2MnO2 (s) + H2O + 3SO42- (aq)
2OH-(aq) + 2H+ (aq) + 2MnO4- (aq) + 3SO32- (aq) → 2MnO2 (s) + H2O(l) + 3SO42- (aq) + 2OH-(aq)
2H2O(l) + 2MnO4- (aq) + 3SO32- (aq) → 2MnO2 (s) + H2O + 3SO42- (aq) + 2OH-(aq)
H2O(l) + 2MnO4- (aq) + 3SO32- (aq) → 2MnO2 (s) + 3SO42- (aq) + 2OH-(aq)
2H, 18O, 2Mn, 3S → 2Mn, 18O, 2H,
= 2(-1) + 3(-2) = 3(-2) + 2(-1)
= -8 = -8

You might also like